Representing Indianapolis were Michael Voskoboynik and Sarit Linkon, both educators at Hasten Hebrew Academy, and Jeff Linkon, Executive Director of IU Hillel.

Voskoboynik described the experience as “incredible,” particularly the visits to four diverse schools. One memorable stop was a school where two-thirds of the students were recent immigrants from Russia and Ukraine. Originally from Ukraine himself, Voskoboynik connected deeply with the students, even conversing with them about their journeys and emotions.

“It was a powerful moment for me,” he said. He and Sarit also co-taught an art class during the visit, further enriching the experience.

Each day began with school visits and ended with cultural exploration. Voskoboynik recalled meaningful tours to the Lebanon border and the Druze village of Farqa. He had planned to extend his stay in Israel with a personal trip to the Dead Sea and Jerusalem, but when the 12-day war with Iran broke out, those plans were interrupted. Stranded temporarily in Ashkelon, he described the experience as “worrisome and scary,” though he was spared the worst of the violence.

“I didn’t see rockets nearby, but the sirens were enough to feel the fear,” he said.

Sarit, an Israeli native, also reflected on the emotional weight of returning during turbulent times.

“It was inspiring to be part of the summit, but also very real,” she said. “At night, you’re waiting for sirens. Everything is next to the bed; your shoes, your bag; just in case you need to run to a shelter.”

Having lived through several wars, Sarit noted that the trauma never gets easier: “Each time, the weapons are more powerful. It stays with you.”

Despite the challenges, Sarit highlighted a special project that encapsulated the spirit of the summit. Over the past year, she had collaborated with a teacher at Gvanim School in Israel on a digital art project for third and fourth graders. Before traveling, she and her students created Indiana-shaped magnets. In Israel, the students made Israel-shaped magnets to send back.

“It was a simple exchange,” Sarit said, “but it created a meaningful connection between kids who live a world apart.”

This year’s summit was smaller than usual, with only three other educators from Budapest attending after many international participants canceled due to the security situation. While this created a more intimate atmosphere, it didn’t stop meaningful collaborations from forming.

Jeff emphasized a highlight from his time at the summit: deepening the partnership between Indiana University and Western Galilee College.

“We’re building real momentum,” he said. “We’re working on future student exchanges through IU, Birthright Israel, and the Maccabee Task Force.”

Jeff also noted a key cultural difference he observed during the conflict: “In America, people want to flee danger. In Israel, people want to be home with their families. That was a powerful reminder of the mindset and resilience of Israelis.”

Like Voskoboynik, Jeff’s plans were also disrupted by the outbreak of the 12-day war.

Despite these difficulties, the summit highlighted how education, art, and personal connection can bridge even the most complex divides. For the trio, it laid the groundwork for expanding twinning programs between educators and students in Israel and the United States; relationships that are more important now than ever.